Comprehending Inline XBRL Filing: A Starter Guide for SEC Filers

Posted on 11 Jul 2016

Inline XBRL is a file format that builds on XBRL, except that it hides all its technicalities and presents the user with a well formatted HTML document replicating the source document. A single Inline XBRL document can serve the purpose earlier achieved with two files – HTML and XBRL.

Additionally, inline XBRL also provides other benefits such as transparency and easy access. Keeping this in mind, the SEC announced on June 13, 2016 that it will allow companies to voluntarily file their financial statements in inline XBRL or iXBRL. And while this will be a voluntary filing until March 2020, it is beneficial to be aware of this change and the impact it could have on filing companies.